2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts brings flavorful imagination to the plate

While the first bite might have food fans cheering, swooning, or just saying yum, the Disney chefs transformed that one spark of imagination into a delicious dish. At the 2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts, both new and returning dishes showcase culinary creativity at its finest.

Looking at the Epcot calendar, food festivals fill most days on the calendar. From the always popular Food and Wine Festival to the flourishing bounty featured at the Flower and Garden Festival, World Showcase and beyond is full of a vast array of delectable dishes. Although some bites are traditional favorites, others push guests slightly beyond those classic flavors. When a chef can make new approachable and traditional exciting, it is a perfect balance on the plate.

At the 2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts, the Disney chefs are given an opportunity to showcase their culinary creativity. Whether guests fully appreciate the impeccable plating that many of the dishes require, or they marvel at the beauty in the composition, the reality that the flavors need to deliver. Luckily, that concept reaches its full potential.

During a recent media event, the Disney chefs commented that the annual Festival of the Arts is a time not only where the chefs get their time to shine but it encourages guests to step a little outside of the norm. Whether it is the first time that someone has tried soft shell crab and bone marrow or it is the guest who appreciates the finer foods, everyone can come together to have a spirited conversation and hopefully spark some personal culinary curiosity beyond the theme park gates.

What are the must eat dishes from 2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts?

While Figment might be the symbol of imagination, creativity, and magic that guides every aspect of the 2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts, the iconic character lends his spark to some of the dishes around the Disney theme park. From the return of the uber popular popcorn bucket to a new Grape Smoothie with freeze dried Skittles, vibrant colors are on full display.

Although the various hues, including the return of the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisines, captivate the eye, it is the bold flavors in some of the new offerings that have people talking, sharing, and enjoying order after order. For example, a new marketplace at this year’s festival is Moderne. Featuring some molecular gastronomy techniques, the dishes are more than just a jumble foams, gels, or pearls.

At Moderne, the Angry Crab, a soft shelled crab with green papaya salad, is a true highlight of the food festival. The crab is perfectly crisp. Eaten piece by piece, the flavor delivers in every bite. Contrasted with the brightness of the papaya salad, it is a well-composed dish.

Another highlight at Moderne is the Compressed Watermelon Tataki. It will make anyone look at watermelon in a whole new way. This marketplace encourages guests to see food in a new light and it delivers with every dish.

In contrast, the Artist’s Table, located in The American Adventure, takes more traditional dishes and presents them in innovative ways. From the Three Meat Meatloaf with Peas and Carrots to the Duck and Dumplings, the dishes are hearty yet not heavy. This interpretation might not be grandma’s meatloaf, but it delivers that comfort food feeling. More importantly, the smoked duck has a robust flavor that pairs well with the beer flight.

One of the best dishes of the 2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts is the roasted bone marrow at Gourmet Landscapes (Canada). The luscious bone marrow is contrasted by the bright pickled mushrooms. This dish is as good as any version at a gastropub. And, for guests who have never tried bone marrow, it is time to place that order.

These dishes are just a small sampling of the many impeccable offerings at the 2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts. From vegetable forward offerings to sweet desserts to a plethora of beverage choices, it might be best to make multiple visits during the festival’s short run.

The 2023 Epcot Festival of the Arts runs from now through February 20, 2023. While the special event is included with Disney theme park admission, reservations are required.